EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Europaudvalget 2022-23 (2. samling)
EUU Alm.del Bilag 224
Offentligt

MINUTES OF THE M

EETING OF THE

HAIRPERSONS

OF COSAC

TOCKHOLM

, S

WEDEN

, 29 - 30 J

ANUARY

2023

AGENDA

PROCEEDINGS

1. Opening of the meeting

Opening remarks by Mr Hans WALLMARK, Chairman of the Committee on EU Affairs of the

Swedish

Riksdag

Welcome speech by Dr Andreas NORLÉN, Speaker of the Swedish

Riksdag

2. Procedural and other general matters

Adoption of the Agenda of the Meeting

Presentation of the results of the COSAC Presidential Troika Meeting

Draft programme for the LXIX COSAC Meeting

Outline of the 39th Bi-annual Report of COSAC

Letters received by the Presidency

Any other business

3. First session - What can the EU do in the area of organised crime?

Ms Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

Mr Johan OLSSON, Head of National Operations Department, Swedish Police Authority

Ms Anna Karin HILDINGSON BOQVIST, Secretary General, ECPAT Sweden

4. Second Session - Presentation of the priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council

Keynote speaker: Mr Christian DANIELSSON, State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs 14

First speaker: Mr Othmar KARAS, First Vice-President of the European Parliament

5. Closing remarks by Mr Hans WALLMARK, Chairman of the Committee on EU Affairs of the

Swedish

Riksdag

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

PROCEEDINGS

IN THE CHAIR: Hans WALLMARK, Chairman of the Committee on EU Affairs of the

Swedish

Riksdag

1. O

PENING OF THE MEETING

Opening remarks by Mr Hans WALLMARK, Chairman of the Committee on EU

Affairs of the Swedish

Riksdag

Mr Hans WALLMARK, Chairman of the Committee on EU Affairs of the Swedish

Riksdag,

welcomed the guests to Stockholm and made the observation that the meeting

of the COSAC Chairpersons was the first major event of the Parliamentary Dimension

of the Swedish Presidency.

Welcome speech by Dr Andreas NORLÉN, Speaker of the Swedish

Riksdag

Mr Andreas NORLÉN, Speaker of the

Riksdag,

began his intervention by welcoming all

the guests to Stockholm and to the Swedish

Riksdag.

He then briefly elaborated on the

history of the Parliament and its buildings, mentioning that it became bi-cameral in 1866

and that a decision was made in 1967 to change to a unicameral system.

The Speaker then continued by stating that the Presidency of the Council of the EU was

a very significant task for both the Swedish

Riksdag

as well as for the Swedish

Government. He elaborated on the Parliamentary Dimension of the Presidency,

explaining that there would be eight interparliamentary conferences in total, out of

which one would be held in an online format and another one in cooperation with the

European Parliament in Brussels. The remaining six Conferences foreseen would take

place in person, in the premises of the Swedish

Riksdag.

Mr NORLÉN highlighted that some of the topics to be discussed in the regular

interparliamentary conferences

would be, amongst others, economic matters in an

uncertain geopolitical context, the single market of the European Union, the work of

Europol, and European police cooperation in the fight against serious and organised

crime. Moreover, he announced that three further conferences of a thematic nature

would be organised to reflect on some of the major issues of the EU political agenda.

The first would take place in February, in a remote format, to debate the European

Green Deal with a focus on the circular bioeconomy, and the path towards a more

competitive and resource-efficient Europe. The second was scheduled for April, in

Stockholm, and would discuss the Challenges and Opportunities for the EU's Future

Energy Supply, dealing with the future energy system in the EU, the competition

The regular and standard Conferences are: COSAC; the Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common

Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (IPC for CFSP/CSDP), The

Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Stability, Economic Coordination and Governance in the EU (IPC on

SECG), and the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol (JPSG on Europol).

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

between companies and the pre-conditions for a dynamic and innovative business

community and industry. The last of the thematic conferences was scheduled for June, in

Stockholm and its focus would be on Democracy in Europe. He added that one of the

priorities of the Swedish Presidency was to strengthen the principle of the rule of law in

the EU and this conference would aim at providing an opportunity to exchange on that

matter. Towards the end of his speech Mr NORLÉN observed that the EU was built on

values such as respect, human rights, freedom, rule of law and democracy and that the

Union promoted peace and European values. He added that national Parliaments were

the pillar stone of each democracy and it was their duty to stand up for those values and

ensure a well-functioning Union.

Mr NORLÉN concluded by quoting the famous epic poem

Aniara,

by the Swedish

Nobel laureate Harry Martinson, which said that

“There is protection from near

everything, from fire and damages by storm and frost, oh, add whichever blows may

come to mind. But there is no protection from mankind.”

Therefore, the Speaker

observed that it is more important than ever that Parliaments should stand up and form a

shield of light to defend democracy.

Finally, he mentioned that, during the previous parliamentary term, the Swedish

Riksdag

had celebrated 100 years of Swedish democracy and that the country would

commemorate 500 years as a national sovereign country in 2023.

2. P

ROCEDURAL AND OTHER GENERAL MATTERS

Adoption of the Agenda of the Meeting

Mr WALLMARK began by welcoming delegates attending the Meeting of the

Chairpersons of COSAC for the first time: Mr Niels Flemming HANSEN, Chairman of

the European Affairs Committee, Danish

Folketing,

Mr Vasile DÎNCU, Chairman of the

European Affairs Committee, Romanian

Senat,

Mr Andris SPRŪDS, Chairman of the

European Affairs Committee, Latvian

Saeima,

Mr Alessandro GIGLIO VIGNA,

Chairman of the European Union Policies Committee of the Italian

Camera dei Deputati.

Afterwards, the Chairman presented the draft agenda of the Meeting of the Chairpersons

of COSAC, which was adopted without amendment.

Presentation of the results of the COSAC Presidential Troika Meeting

Mr WALLMARK informed the delegations about the results of the Meeting of the

COSAC Presidential Troika, noting the approval of the agenda of the Meeting of the

COSAC Chairpersons, the approval of the outline of the 39th Bi-annual Report of

COSAC and the approval of the draft agenda of the LXIX COSAC.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Draft programme for the LXIX COSAC Meeting

Mr WALLMARK presented the adopted draft agenda of the LXIX COSAC, scheduled

to take place in Stockholm between 14-16 May 2023, which had been endorsed by the

Troika. He then introduced the four thematic sessions which would be covered during

the meeting: the first session would be dedicated to an overview of the Swedish

Presidency of the Council of the EU; the second session would discuss 30 years of the

Single Market; the third session would be titled “Towards a green transition”, and the

fourth and final session would be dedicated to Ukraine and the efforts toward

re-building that country.

Outline of the 39th Bi-annual Report of COSAC

Mr WALLMARK presented the outline of the 39th COSAC Bi-annual Report, stating

that the first chapter of the Report would focus on the role of Parliaments/Chambers in

the handling of the Fit for 55 package, the second chapter would be dedicated to the role

of the Parliaments/Chambers in accelerated decision-making processes in response to

crises, and the third chapter would deal with best practices for information exchange

between parliaments, including use of IPEX. Mr WALLMARK stated that, based on the

approved outline for the 39th Bi-annual Report, a questionnaire would be sent to the

delegations no later than 15 February, with replies expected by 16 March 2023.

Letters received by the Presidency

Mr WALLMARK referred to the following letters received by the Presidency requesting

invitation to attend the COSAC meetings and stated that it was a pleasure to welcome

them:

- Lord Charles KINNOULL, Chairman of the European Union Committee, UK

House

of Lords;

- Mr Masud GHARAHKHANI, President of the Norwegian

Stortinget;

- Mr Benedikt WÜRTH, President of the Swiss delegation for relations with the

European Parliament, Swiss

Assemblée fédérale;

- Mr Bjarni JÓNSSON, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the

Icelandic

Althingi;

- Ms Maka BOTCHORISHVILI, Chairwoman of the Committee on European

Integration of the Georgian

Sakartvelos p'arlament'I;

- Ms Rrezarta KRASNIQI, Chairwoman of the Committee on European Integration,

Kosovo

Kuvendi i Kosovës.

This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244(1999) and

the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Finally, the Presidency and other Troika members had received a letter from Mr

Jean-François RAPIN, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the French

Sénat,

proposing to add an item to the agenda of LXIX COSAC to discuss how to

improve the rules of ethics and transparency governing the activities of the European

institutions. Mr WALLMARK informed Chairpersons that the proposal of Mr RAPIN

had been discussed during the Troika meeting, and it was considered that the topic was

interesting and that the Presidency would be open to having a broad discussion on ethics

and transparency, which are key issues for all Parliaments. Therefore, the Presidency

and the Troika had agreed to convene a videoconference on the matter, possibly in

April, organised in the same format as the previous informal exchanges held by former

COSAC Presidencies and with the intention of inviting the European Commissioner

responsible for these issues to participate. This would allow for an exchange of views

between national Parliaments and the European Parliament on these issues.

Finally, Mr WALLMARK also mentioned a letter sent by Ms Satu HASSI, Chairperson

of the Grand Committee of the Finnish Eduskunta, addressed to the COSAC

Chairpersons, to inform them that she would not be running in the upcoming elections

in Finland, scheduled for April 2023. Therefore, the current Chairpersons’ meeting

would be the last COSAC meeting she would attend and Mr WALLMARK took the

opportunity to thank Ms Satu HASSI for the excellent cooperation during the last few

years, giving her the floor for a brief statement, in which she highlighted the role of

COSAC as an interparliamentary forum, wishing that it can continue to thrive in the

strengthening of interparliamentary cooperation.

Any other business

Mr WALLMARK mentioned that two items should be addressed within this section.

The first concerned the fact that a decision was pending at COSAC regarding the old

COSAC website (and the cosac.eu domain), that was still active even though the content

had long since been migrated to IPEX (www.ipex.eu) and the previous website was no

longer being updated. He gave the floor to the Permanent Member of the COSAC

Secretariat, Mr Bruno DIAS PINHEIRO, to explain further.

Mr DIAS PINHEIRO started by recalling that the Conference of Speakers of the

Parliaments of the EU had outlined the purpose of establishing IPEX as the “one stop

shop” for interparliamentary exchange on EU affairs and documents, including hosting

the information related to all interparliamentary Conferences. Furthermore, COSAC had

expressed its support for the IPEX platform to host the COSAC website, merging the

two environments, specifically the Conclusions of the LVIII COSAC held in Tallinn, in

December 2017, of the LIX COSAC, held in Sofia, in June 2018, of the LX COSAC,

held in Vienna, in November 2018, and of the LXII COSAC, held in Helsinki, in

December 2019.

Mr DIAS PINHEIRO noted that while the migration of the data was being done, the

information pertaining to COSAC was accessible on both platforms, i.e. the COSAC

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

website (cosac.eu) and IPEX. After the official launch of IPEX Version 3, in October

2021, this transitional period was over and the merging had been successfully

concluded, with all the relevant information available on the IPEX platform. He added

that the existence of two websites had a financial cost, since the payments for the

domain and the hosting of cosac.eu were still being paid for every year, and a cost in

terms of quality of the information, since the cosac.eu website, although it was obsolete

and no longer updated since 2019, was still active and could easily be found via any

web search engine. Mr DIAS PINHEIRO summed up by stating that, consequently, a

decision needed to be taken by COSAC regarding this matter, and it was proposed that

the Swedish Presidency would include a paragraph on this issue in the Conclusions of

the upcoming LXIX COSAC Plenary, noting that the COSAC.eu website/domain no

longer needed to be active and, therefore, there was no need to renew its yearly

subscriptions. The COSAC Secretariat would be tasked with implementing that

decision, effective in 2023.

Mr WALLMARK informed the Chairpersons

recommendation made by the COSAC Secretariat.

that the Troika adopted the

On another topic, Mr Hans WALLMARK reminded the Troika of the procedure for

co-financing the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat and the costs of running

of the office of COSAC, which would be initiated for the coming two years (2024/25).

He alluded to point 9.5

of the Rules of Procedure of COSAC, which reads

"the cost of

seconding the Permanent Member of the COSAC Secretariat to Brussels and other necessary technical

costs of the COSAC Secretariat are jointly borne by parliaments wishing to contribute. The amount and

terms of payment under the co-financing procedure are defined in an agreement concluded amongst the

participating parliaments. The Secretariat is hosted by the European Parliament in its offices in Brussels."

The current co-financing period was running from 1 January 2022 to 31 December

2023, covering the usual two-year period, and was co-financed by all Parliaments.

Therefore, and to ensure the continued co-financing for the post of Permanent Member

of the COSAC Secretariat, the Swedish Presidency would launch the procedure to

renew the current co-financing agreement for the period from 1 January 2024 to 31

December 2025. For that purpose, a letter would be sent by the Presidency to all

Parliaments/Chambers in the beginning of February, in order to collect the necessary

letters of intent and gather the required threshold for the enforcement of the agreement

to fund this post.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

3. F

IRST SESSION

- W

HAT CAN THE

DO IN THE AREA OF ORGANISED CRIME

Ms Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

Ms JOHANSSON started her intervention

by recalling the beginning of the war in

Europe one year earlier and at the same time underlining Europe´s strong unity,

commitment and support for Ukraine. She mentioned some of the latest tragic events

that had happened in the neighbourhood or in Stockholm, including shootings with child

victims and explosions. Ms JOHANSSON admitted organised crime was one of the

biggest threats of our time. She considered that, while the President of the Russian

Federation, Mr Vladimir PUTIN, was the greatest external threat to the EU, organised

crime should be seen as the biggest internal threat. She expressed her concerns about the

rise of right wing terrorism next to the strongly persistent jihadist threat, also

mentioning the recent case of successfully foiling a far-right terrorist plot to overthrow

the government in Germany. The Commissioner added that the terrorist threat level in

Sweden was currently at level three (elevated threat), also due to last year's knife attack

in Vetlanda where several people were wounded.

Then she mentioned the murder of her former colleague, Ms Ing-Marie WIESELGREN

in Gotland, who was stabbed to death during a political meeting in Almedalen. Ms

JOHANSSON continued by mentioning last year´s statistics in Sweden: 90 bomb

attacks and 388 shootings, as well as very recent tragic killings of children. She noted

that these attacks and organised crime itself were undermining the EU’s foundation,

society, economy and trust.

She observed that security was perhaps the most important glue supporting cohesion in

society and that very few people could ensure their safety on their own, while the

majority relied on society and the police. She also touched upon various discriminatory

reasons for not feeling safe in today's world and proceeded to cite some statistics on

organised crime, specifically the fact that 80 percent of criminals in the EU were

engaged in the legal economy, 70 percent of them operating in at least three different

countries, and that 60 percent of the organised criminal groups in Europe were engaged

in corruption, which could be seen at all levels (police, customs, ports etc). Ms

JOHANSSON added that the criminal groups were becoming more and more

professional and international and that their structures were similar to multinational

businesses with different kinds of suppliers, one dealing with threats, another one active

in money laundering, logistics, killings and smuggling. They have also increased their

level of violence, instead of using threats or beatings, they were proceeding directly to

killing the person.

Ms JOHANSSON went on to emphasise that after five years of negotiations there was a

very strong need for an agreement at EU level on new legislation on e-evidence.

Organised criminal groups were increasingly present online and digital evidence was

Full speech available at

Speech at the meeting of the COSAC chairpersons on organised crime |

European Commission (europa.eu).

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

found in almost all cases. She underlined the importance of cooperation between

national police and Europol in the successful case of cracking down on Encrochat, Sky

ECC, ANOM and Trojan Shield. She also mentioned the upcoming case in the European

Court of Justice on Encrochat evidence which would be crucial for this area.

Moreover, Commissioner JOHANSSON stressed the need for Artificial Intelligence

(AI) tools to process all the data. She emphasised the relevance of the Europol´s new

mandate in order to be able to facilitate and support national police in their

investigations. She mentioned the decision of setting up a dedicated high-level expert

group on access to digital evidence and data needed for law enforcement after

discussions led by the Swedish presidency.

She reported on the successful police cooperation between Europol, the Spanish,

French, Belgian, Dutch and United Arab Emirates police that had led to cracking down

on the cartel responsible for one third of the cocaine in the EU. This type of cooperation

was, according to her, absolutely necessary and should be strengthened, and that was the

reason why the European Commission had proposed a new Police Cooperation Code.

Moreover, a proposal for a regulation on automated data exchange for police

cooperation (known as Prüm II), which was also pending decision by the co-legislators,

aimed at facilitating searches in cases where there had been previous hits in another

Member State regarding a specific person. Concerning the drug routes, she said that the

port of Antwerp was at that moment the main point of entry into the EU for cocaine

entrance. The Commissioner also mentioned the importance of following the routes of

money and also added that young people were increasingly recruited into the drug

trafficking gangs to earn quick money. Another legislative proposal on the table she

mentioned and that was very much needed, was the envisaged new directive on Asset

Recovery and Confiscation of assets, also for the cases without convictions.

On legislation concerning the EU's privacy and security, she highlighted the importance

of finding the right balance between both. The law enforcement authorities were lacking

tools online in comparison to the offline world, and the EU had to find the right balance

in legislation to move forward in this area.

Ms JOHANNSON then provided some figures on child sexual abuse, namely that,

according to the Council of Europe, one child out of five was a victim of sexual

violence in one way or another. There were around 20 million reports of online child

sexual abuse reported to the police to investigate. Moreover, she mentioned that

according to those reports, the younger the children, the worse the violence, and that

half of the pictures and videos shared were of babies and toddlers. In many areas of

child sexual abuse online, being part of the group also meant the obligation to produce

so-called new material.

The Commissioner highlighted the fact that many internet companies were being very

cooperative in this fight, since in the past ten years they had been detecting this material

and reporting it to Europol or other police organisations, which was truly one of the

best-functioning ways to rescue children. As regards legislation, she underlined that, in

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

private communications, only the detection of malware was allowed thanks to

legislation from 2020 and that there was only temporary legislation running until

summer next year concerning the sexual abuse of children. After that, the EU would be

left with no means to fight these horrific crimes, since companies would not be allowed

to see and hence detect these ongoing abuses of children.

For that reason, Ms JOHANSSON then alluded to the proposal for sustainable

legislation in that field, allowing detection in private communications only in very

specific cases, and after a risk assessment carried out in conjunction with a court

decision. This could be done only when using specific approved technology, and under

those circumstances it would not only be allowed, but it would also bring an obligation

to carry out the detection to protect children. She concluded her speech by

acknowledging that the EU was a regulatory superpower in the protection of privacy

online. However, and while the EU had legislation that always allowed for detection of

malware, also in encrypted communication, which was accepted by everyone, it needed

to be emphasised that the vulnerable people and children who are victims of sexual

violence needed to be better protected.

Mr Johan OLSSON, Head of National Operations Department, Swedish Police

Authority

Mr OLSSON began his intervention by saying that, in the past year, Sweden had faced a

tragic record in fatal shootings, resulting in 60 deaths. However, when it came to

organised crime, he added that all law enforcement counterparts in Europe were

struggling with the problem. He said that Sweden´s situation was not isolated but

connected to other Member States and that the common fight against organised crime

was more essential than ever . He noted that organised crime´s influence on democratic

society was unacceptable and it had become a common challenge for the EU, stressing

that the Union was already doing many things to combat it.

He mentioned specifically two things on the EU´s agenda, starting with the

interoperability package that was currently in the implementation process. From his

operational point of view, better use of biometrics was absolutely necessary. Secondly,

he very much welcomed the comprehensive and digital entry exit system at the external

border which was much needed. He added, however, that the system should also cover

the EU´s own citizens.

He further pointed out the existence of a digital world where products, services and

social interactions existed as much online as in the real world. In this regard, Mr

OLSSON continued by saying that thanks to having access to relevant data, the police

had been able to crack down not only field operators, but also on leading criminal

actors, the masterminds of the crimes. He also recalled the need for law enforcement to

be active in the online world. The obligation to provide safety and justice did not end in

the physical world. To ensure the same rights to online victims, law enforcement needed

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

adequate tools and legislation. He underlined that criminals were well established and

very active on the same social media used by the citizens including their children, and

that the criminals were actively committing offences such as grooming, money

laundering, drug trafficking, fraud or sexual abuse. He pointed out that the criminals in

today's world were free to use an abundance of electronic communication services with

different rules applied to different operators and often under the protection of an

encrypted system developed by established corporations. He stressed that this situation

made it very difficult for law enforcement authorities to prosecute such crimes. He

pledged for legal and solid tools to access data from communication channels that

would enable the police to prosecute crimes committed when using encrypted

communication services.

Mr OLSSON emphasised that to handle all the challenges of the online world law

enforcement authorities needed artificial intelligence to share the substantial amounts of

electronic evidence. He also stated that the law enforcement authorities were subject to

national and EU regulations that were observed and respected and these authorities also

needed scrutiny for which they were ready. He reiterated that with such limited access to

information in the digital world, the authorities were in fact unable to bring results and

ensure safety. In the subject of sexual abuse online, he underlined that respect of

personal integrity was essential, but at the same time, the victim´s right to personal

integrity needed to be ensured. According to him, it was necessary to put in place a

system for EU law enforcement authorities to access criminal material on digital

platforms. The success of cracking down on Encrochat, Sky ECC and ANOM would not

have been possible without European cooperation and the support of Europol. He added

that the common platform for cooperation among Member States law enforcement

authorities offered by Europol was invaluable. He continued by saying that Europol

needed to focus on its core business of supporting Member States in investigations in

criminal intelligence cases. Mr OLSSON summed up by saying that the EU was an

important and essential actor in combating organised crime and that the need for

balanced regulation of the digital world was one of the main challenges for law

enforcement today.

Ms Anna Karin HILDINGSON BOQVIST, Secretary General, ECPAT Sweden

Ms HILDINGSON BOQVIST started her contribution by presenting ECPAT Sweden as

a children's rights organisation that was also active in preventive actions such as

influencing public opinion, working with companies, government agencies and other

organisations. ECPAT Sweden was using three main operational activities: a hotline

used for reporting abuse of children, an online phone line to support children and

another corresponding line for parents and adults. The organisation was strong in

understanding the world of children living online and offline thanks to annual surveys

carried out with almost 15 000 children and youth respondents. She emphasised this was

necessary to be aware of the constantly changing online world of child's exploitation.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Ms HILDINGSON BOQVIST underlined that child sexual abuse and exploitation was a

global, transnational crime which was very often perceived as organised crime. She

continued by giving information on the latest modus operandi of abusing boys. In

general, more girls were blackmailed and in more brutal ways, she noted, but boys had

recently been exposed in different ways. They were threatened with having their

pictures spread unless they paid money to the perpetrators. The starting point in the

boys' cases was a contact which they believed was a credible girl over Snapchat or

Instagram, the boys exchanged their naked pictures and then the perpetrator started to

make threats that the pictures would be sent to his friends and family unless he paid a

large sum of money. When the victims were unable to pay, they were forced to become

part of the chain and bring new potential victims to the “girl“ perpetrator. In many cases,

there was no other abuse except for the extortion for monetary gain. Ms HILDINGSON

BOQVIST also mentioned the exploitation methods of raping gangs, who force their

victims to hide drugs or to engage in other criminal activities to avoid further

dissemination of the pictures or videos of rapes committed. In that regard, she urged for

a holistic approach to combat these crimes. She said that unfortunately there was no

one-win single solution.

She identified three main components in the prevention field, which were: i) a focus on

the children themselves; ii) a focus on adults as parents or closest counterparts; and iii) a

focus on technologies. Particularly, technologies were often abused but they could also

be part of the solution in the fight against sexual exploitation of children.

In connection with this, she said the majority of abusive materials were stored

somewhere in Europe and that the platforms and internet providers were not shouldering

enough of the responsibility to remove abusive material and to ensure that it was never

even published on their platforms. She emphasised that the Regulation intended to

combat abuse of children mentioned by Commissioner JOHANSSON was incredibly

important to ensure that the EU could have a holistic approach towards child sexual

exploitation online. She added that civil society perceived the proposal for regulation

only as one part of the solution helping to detect child vulnerability. She concluded her

intervention by saying that there was unfortunately still a lot more to be done to combat

this type of organised crime.

In the ensuing debate, 19 parliamentarians took the floor. The majority of speakers

commended security as a very well chosen priority of the Swedish Presidency of the EU

Council, and further elaborated on the need to enhance and deepen the transnational

cooperation of law enforcement authorities, while at the same time supporting Europol

as the key actor in facilitating collaboration between national police in transnational

investigations (Mr Rubén MORENO, Spanish

Cortes Generales,

Mr Jean-François

RAPIN, French

Sénat,

Mr Gaëtan VAN GOIDSENHOVEN, Belgian

Sénat/Senaat,

Giuliomaria TERZI DI SANT´AGATA, Italian

Senato,

Ms Danuta JAZŁOWIECKA,

Polish

Senat,

Ms Maka BOTCHORISHVILI, Georgian

Sakartvelos p'arlament'I,

Jorida TABAKU, Albanian

Kuvendi,

Ms Ine Eriksen SØREIDE, Norwegian

Storting).

Many Members called for sound European policies or/and the adoption of an

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

appropriate legal framework at EU level to combat organised crime, since it had

transferred several of its activities to the online world, including sexual abuse of

children and cyber-attacks (Ms Susana SUMELZO, Spanish

Cortes Generales,

Danuta JAZŁOWIECKA, Polish

Senat,

Mr Andris SPRŪDS, Latvian

Saeima,

Constantinos EFSTATHIOU, Cyprus

Vouli ton Antiprosopon).

In their interventions, Members emphasised that future legislation should strive to find

the right balance between safeguarding citizens´ fundamental rights and their security

(Mr Rubén MORENO, Spanish

Cortes Generales,

Ms Danuta JAZŁOWIECKA, Polish

Senat,

Mr Constantinos EFSTATHIOU, Cyprus

Vouli ton Antiprosopon).

Two Members

raised the topic of transparency and corruption in political institutions, and both

emphasised the need to ensure that citizens could trust parliamentarians and politicians.

Therefore, all possible investigations should be facilitated (Mr Jean-François RAPIN,

French

Sénat,

Mr Constantinos EFSTATHIOU, Cyprus

Vouli ton Antiprosopon).

In that regard, Mr RAPIN French

Sénat,

mentioned his proposal to add the topic

concerning transparency and ethics to the draft agenda of the plenary of LXIX COSAC.

The topic of migration also resonated among speakers including the role of

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the organised crime of migrant smuggling,

the fight against illegal migration and the protection of the external borders of the EU.

Overall emphasis was put on the need to finalise the migration and asylum package

which should be strengthened regarding the internal and external threats the EU was

facing (Mr

Giuliomaria TERZI DI SANT´AGATA, Italian

Senato,

Mr Anti

POOLAMETS, Estonian

Riigikogu,

Mr Andris SPRŪDS, Latvian

Saeima,

Alessandro GIGLIO VIGNA Italian

Camera dei Deputati,

Ms Boglárka ILLÉS,

Hungarian

Országgyűlés,

Mr Domagoj HAJDUKOVIČ, Croatian

Hrvatski sabor).

Another issue raised by Ms Boglárka ILLÉS, Hungarian

Országgyűlés

and Mr Ștefan

MUȘOIU, Romanian

Camera Deputatilor

was the future enlargement of the Schengen

area regarding Romania and Bulgaria, which they both supported. Mr Dimitris

KAIRIDIS, Greek

Vouli ton Ellinon

warned about connections between external and

internal threats that had their roots in the Kremlin. He talked about the connection

between Russian President PUTIN and organised crime, and specifically about the

connection between drug trafficking from Venezuela via Turkey (controlling two main

migration routes) with the help of Russia which aimed to undermine EU democracies as

well as making money. He also mentioned recent cases of Koran burnings in Europe by

far-right groups, as actions that should be seen as part of the overall strategy of the

Kremlin to undermine the stability of the EU. He asked Commissioner JOHANSSON to

elaborate on these matters. Some of the interventions (Ms Dubravka FILIPOVSKI,

Serbian

Narodna skupština,

Ms Rrezarta KRASNIQI, Kosovo

Kuvendi i Kosovës)

summed up progress made in the field of organised crime on their countries’ paths to

integration in the EU.

This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244(1999) and

the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

After the debate, the keynote speakers made their final remarks. Ms JOHANSSON

commented on the future accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area,

which according to her meant greater security for the EU. She also touched upon the

migration and asylum package that needed to be adopted by 2024, adding that the

current Swedish Presidency, as well as the incoming Spanish and Belgian Presidencies,

would have this important topic on their agenda.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, she said Russian President PUTIN did not want to

destroy only Ukraine but also the European Union, or at least destabilise and divide it,

adding that he feared the EU because of its democracy, freedom, and prosperity. The EU

should not be naive and needed to be aware of the fact that he was financing political

parties in the EU and outside the EU, orchestrating cyber attacks against the EU´s

important infrastructure and putting many resources into disinformation towards the EU,

and also its neighbourhood. She concluded by saying that the geopolitical role of the EU

in the world was more important than ever and that security should go hand in hand with

the situation.

In his final remarks, Mr OLSSON emphasised the importance of Europol´s role in

combating organised crime, as the most effective law enforcement authority in the EU.

This effectiveness was also enhanced by the fact that it was a platform, which gathered

all the national law enforcement authorities working together.

Finally, Ms HILDINGSON BOQVIST reiterated the importance of both public and

private sector cooperation. She also emphasised that children´s access to justice was a

crucial factor in combating sexual abuse. Furthermore, she added that well-resourced

support for children was needed from law enforcement authorities and society. She

ended by noting that the key to helping the victims was to create a stable, supporting

environment with which they could relate in such situations.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

4. S

ECOND

ESSION

- P

RESENTATION

RESIDENCY OF THE

EU C

OUNCIL

OF THE PRIORITIES OF THE

WEDISH

Keynote speaker: Mr Christian DANIELSSON, State Secretary to the Minister for

EU Affairs

Mr DANIELSSON started by thanking the organisers for the opportunity not only to

present, but also to discuss, the priorities for the Swedish Presidency with such a

distinguished audience.

Being one month into the Presidency one could conclude it had been intense so far, Mr

DANIELSSON noted. He mentioned a few important events which had already taken

place: the European Commission’s college had visited Kiruna in the very north of

Sweden; in mid-January the Prime Minister had presented the Presidency priorities in

the European Parliament; the Minister for EU Affairs had also taken part in Plenary

sessions in the European Parliament, and several ministers had presented the

Presidency’s ambitions in different Committees in the European Parliament. The

Government had also engaged closely with the Swedish

Riksdag

to reach consensus and

common ground on the Presidency’s priorities, but also on how cooperation should be

carried out during the Presidency, Mr DANIELSSON added. A strong Presidency

required solid support at home and national Parliaments played a vital role for

democratic processes in the EU. Mr DANIELSSON stated that in Sweden the

Committee on EU Affairs was central to the coordination between the Parliament and

the Government, highlighting that this cooperation and close partnership was highly

valued by the Executive.

Mr DANIELSSON noted that Sweden was taking over the Presidency of the Council of

the EU at a time of historic challenges, and in particular, Russia’s brutal war of

aggression against Ukraine with all of its consequences, primarily in Ukraine but also

throughout Europe. This would continue to dominate the European agenda, and

therefore, this would be the top priority for the Swedish Presidency, Mr DANIELSSON

stated. Ukraine was fighting for its survival as a nation, and for the security and lives of

its citizens, but they were also fighting for our freedom and fundamental values. The

European unity across institutions, bodies, and Parliaments when it came to supporting

Ukraine was a true achievement. A key task for the Swedish Presidency would therefore

be to maintain this unity and not let the Kremlin divide the EU, Mr DANIELSSON

argued. Consequences linked to Russia’s illegal aggression had affected European

economies and its energy supply, and business and households were under hard

pressure, said Mr DANIELSSON. He added that, as a Union and as Member States,

they had to deal with these parallel short-term crises, but at the same time stay firm

regarding the long-term efforts to take forward the green transition and make the EU

one of its frontrunners.

In this context, Mr DANIELSSON said the Swedish Presidency would advance the

work in the Council of the EU and in negotiations with the European Parliament based

on four priorities:

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Security

Competitiveness

Green and energy transition

Democratic values and the rule of law

In short, the aim of the Swedish Presidency was to make Europe safer, greener, and

freer, Mr DANIELSSON stated.

On the first priority,

security,

Sweden would do its utmost to maintain a firm EU

position on Russia, Mr DANIELSSON said. The pressure on the Kremlin through

sanctions should be maintained, as well as holding Russia accountable for breaches of

international law. As an example, the Swedish Presidency would carefully look into how

frozen Russian assets could be re-used to finance reconstruction following the

destruction of Ukraine. Furthermore, European support to Ukraine must continue in all

forms, politically, economically, militarily, and in humanitarian terms, Mr

DANIELSSON argued. As unity was a precondition for much of the EU’s assistance, it

would therefore be a central task for the Swedish Presidency to maintain that unity.

In addition, the EU’s internal security needed to be strengthened, with better border

surveillance and increased police cooperation, Mr DANIELSSON argued. Since

organised crime did not stop at national borders, neither should the EU’s efforts to fight

it. Moreover, the Presidency should continue the work regarding the negotiations of the

Pact on Migration and Asylum, building on the progress already achieved under the

French and Czech Presidencies. In parallel, work must be done on the short-term

challenges arising from irregular migration in particular coming through the Western

Balkans route. The external dimension would have a natural place on the Council’s

agenda in February, Mr DANIELSSON said.

The second priority was

competitiveness.

Today, the conditions for companies and

industries to invest and grow in Europe were not as favourable as in many other parts of

the world, Mr DANIELSSON argued, since Europe had failed for a long time to address

this. The Single Market worked well for goods, but was not as well adapted for a global

environment built on flows of data and services. At present, the EU’s response to the US

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was a natural focus. On the one hand, the EU should

welcome the ambitious green objectives of the Biden administration, and it should be

recalled that just a few years ago the biggest EU concern was the US withdrawal from

the Paris agreement. But at the same time the EU needed to address the parts of the IRA

that could have negative effects on the EU's industries, and further engagement with

Washington was needed to minimise those negative consequences. The Swedish

Presidency expected the Commission to propose measures ahead of the European

Council in February, bearing in mind that any short-term measures to mitigate the

consequences of the IRA must be complemented by a long-term perspective. The

ambition for the Swedish Presidency was to set out the direction for the next decade

with a focus on how to boost European competitiveness and productivity, and close the

growth gap between the EU and its competitors, notably in Asia and but also the US.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

The Swedish Presidency was working on a competitive compass, covering a few key

dimensions. Among other things the EU needed to step up on research and

development, and get more serious about better regulation, Mr DANIELSSON argued.

The EU also needed to accelerate the green and digital transition of its economies, and

the Swedish Presidency would therefore make sure that the EU’s long-term

competitiveness would be on the agenda for the European Council in March. The

30-year anniversary of the Single Market would serve as a useful starting point of such a

discussion, Mr DANIELSSON said, along with a competitiveness strategy, in response

to an invitation from the European Council in December last year for the European

Commission to bring one forward. A competitive economy was also a prerequisite for

the green and digital transition and for the EU to be prepared for future crises, he said.

On the third priority, the

green and energy transition,

Mr DANIELSSON stated that

climate change was one of the major global challenges of our time, and the EU was one

of the world’s most important climate actors. This meant it needed to lead by example,

delivering on ambitious climate goals while showing that this could be combined with

growth and competitiveness. As regards the Fit for 55 package, Mr DANIELSSON

stated that the European Parliament and the Council had made several important

agreements under previous Presidencies, but there were many important files still to be

agreed. This was the case especially in the area of energy. The task for the Swedish

Presidency was to reach the finish line for the whole Fit for 55 package. It was a priority

for the Swedish Presidency, but Mr DANIELSSON noted that the Presidency did not

have any illusions that it would be easy. On the subject of energy, both energy security

and energy prices would be important issues to handle during the Swedish Presidency.

More fossil free energy with high security of supply was needed, which included

renewable energy but also nuclear energy, keeping in mind the right of every Member

State to decide on its energy mix. Work would also begin on the new reform of the EU’s

electricity market design as soon as the Commission’s proposal was presented, Mr

DANIELSSON pointed out.

The fourth priority was

democratic values and the principle of rule of law,

which Mr

DANIELSSON argued was the core of the EU. In fact, independent courts and

responsive democratic institutions were necessary to ensure trust between Member

States and the deep legal, political, and economic cooperation that exists within the EU.

If citizens’ rights were to be protected everywhere across the Union and the Single

Market were to function, the rule of law needed to be upheld, Mr DANIELSSON

continued. During the Swedish Presidency, country-specific discussions in the Council

were to continue with five Member States; Slovakia, Finland, Belgium, Bulgaria, and

the Czech Republic. He also referred to the Article 7 procedures which were to be

continued in Council during the Swedish Presidency, saying they would include

additional hearings and updates from the European Commission on the state of play,

depending on how the situation evolved. In June, the Swedish Presidency also planned

to organise a symposium with the aim of taking a closer look at the tools at their

disposal and discuss how the rule of law could better be upheld in the EU at all levels.

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Mr DANIELSSON concluded by promising the Swedish Presidency would work around

the clock to make the EU safer, greener and freer.

First speaker: Mr Othmar KARAS, First Vice-President of the European

Parliament

In his introduction, Mr KARAS thanked the Speaker of the Swedish

Riksdag,

NORLÉN, and the Chairman of the EU Affairs Committee, Mr WALLMARK, for

hosting the meeting of the COSAC Chairpersons in Stockholm. He also congratulated

the Swedish Parliament for its excellent contribution to the Swedish Council Presidency

programme following the motto “a greener, safer and freer Europe” which was going to

address the challenges the EU was facing.

Mr KARAS noted that, when discussing the programme of a Presidency, there was

usually a tendency to delegate matters to others, and, by doing so, expect them to turn

things into practice. However, Mr KARAS considered that a Presidency programme

concerned everybody. Therefore, the programme of the Swedish Presidency should be

embraced as a shared endeavour by all Parliaments, since they were all affected by the

challenges at stake. He alluded to the many different competences which exist in the EU

and also to the way they were so closely interwoven (e.g., majority votes, unanimity,

political competences) and, finally, to the fact that the level of political will about the

EU also differed across Member States. However, Mr KARAS pointed out that if the

debates only focused on discussing competences and who was in charge, citizens might

turn away from Europe. Moreover, reducing the debate to a power struggle of

competences would hamper the chances of gathering the majorities needed to

implement all the proposed agendas.

He continued by saying that, first and foremost, Europe needed unity, resolution, and

political will to act together. For that reason, Mr KARAS considered that 2023 should

not be a year of polemicising, populism or nationalistic confrontation, but a year of

European unity. He pointed out that Europe was, more than ever before, confronted with

multiple crises. In fact, the war in Ukraine had shattered many of the foundations the

EU had taken for granted in past decades, and Ukraine should be supported in every

domain.

But at the same time, Mr KARAS acknowledged that a debate was needed about the

security of the EU, alluding to the Swedish application for NATO membership. Mr

KARAS also referred to the Strategic Compass, which he argued could be a good

foundation also for national Parliaments, because there were increasing efforts to bolster

security and defence policies in the EU, including the will to establish a European

Defence Union. Therefore, he advised, all policies in national Parliaments and national

Governments should be in line with the goal of the Strategic Compass, as it was the

blueprint for the security debate in Europe.

Turning to the issue of asylum and migration policy, Mr KARAS said it was clear that

the progress achieved by the EU had been insufficient. The proposed solutions had not

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

been implemented so far, because of a lack of political will. Mr KARAS continued by

saying that unless the Pact on Asylum and Migration was adopted this year, support for

extremist and anti-EU forces would increase in next year’s election to the European

Parliament, but also in coming national elections.

He then turned to the energy price crisis, referring that the EU needed to reduce

dependencies, but also to reform the energy markets as well as finally adopting the Fit

for 55 package. In his view, this was essential in order to stand united in the fight against

climate change and to put measures into practice, since these two issues were closely

related.

Mr KARAS acknowledged the existence of different opinions regarding the Conference

of the Future of Europe (CoFE), but argued that the results of the Conference must not

be ignored. From his perspective, this was a question of credibility, but it was also

linked to how the EU as a community was capable of acting together. Mr KARAS also

made a link between the implementation of the results of the outcome of the CoFE and

the strengthening of liberal democracies, which he argued were under pressure both

internally and externally. Neither democracy nor parliamentarism were self-evident

anymore and they should be appreciated, defended and fought for, beyond national and

ideological borders. He added that this task was a shared responsibility for all

parliamentarians, as representatives of the citizens.

Mr KARAS concluded by saying that these challenges should be embraced with more

courage for action, for greater seriousness, and for unity. He considered that the political

debate needed seriousness and honesty, and referred to the former President of the

European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, who once said that Europe was not a

boxing ring, but a place where Europeans were trying to shape history rather than being

shaped by history. Mr KARAS considered that the priorities of the Swedish Presidency

could only be put into practice if everyone was ready not to fight each other but to shape

history with more honesty, responsibility, and vision. He therefore noted that the

national Parliaments and the European Parliament were key to ensuring the political

majorities needed to implement the shared political goals. He concluded by saying that

putting the priorities of the Swedish Presidency into practice was key to making the EU

stronger, greener, digital and more competitive.

In the debate which followed, 34 speakers took the floor. There was general support for

the Swedish Presidency priorities as presented by State Secretary DANIELSSON.

A majority of national Parliaments’ representatives, including among others, Mr

Pieyre-Alexander ANGLADE, French

Assemblée Nationale,

Mr Anton HOFREITER

German

Bundestag,

and Mr Andris SPRUDS Latvian

Saeima,

stressed the need for

continued EU unity and support for Ukraine by with all means available and warned that

the current Russian regime wanted to redefine the European security and democratic

order. Several speakers, including Ms Danuta JAZLOWIECKA, Polish

Senat

and Mr

Giuliomaria TERZI DI SANT´AGATA Italian

Senato,

highlighted the need to bring the

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Russians responsible for war crimes in Ukraine to justice. Ms Ivanna

KLYMPUSH-TSINTSADZE, Ukraine

Verkhovna Rada,

expressed her deep

appreciation for all the military, financial, and political support Ukraine had received

until that moment. At the same time, she underlined the need for continued sustainable

and urgent delivery of weaponry, as well as continued pressure on Russia in order to

ensure victory over authoritarianism.

The need for the EU to stand up to its founding values and institutional order was

highlighted by several speakers including Ms Susana SUMELZO, Spanish

Cortes

Generales,

Ms Eliane TILLIEUX, Belgian

Chambre des représentants,

Mr Constantinos

EFSTATHIOU Cyprus

Vouli ton Antiprosopon,

and Mr Rubén MORENO, Spanish

Cortes Generales.

Enlargement policy, and the need to make progress with it for the stability and

prosperity not only for the countries concerned, but also for Europe as a whole, was

highlighted by many national Parliaments’ representatives including among others, Mr

Domagoj HAJDUKOVIC Croatian

Hrvatski sabor,

Ms Denitsa SIMEONOVA,

Bulgarian

Narodno sabranie,

Ms Boglárka ILLÉS Hungarian

Országgylés,

Ms Jorida

TABAKU Albanian

Kuvendi i Shqipërisë,

Mr Davor Ivo STIER, Croatian

Hrvatski

sabor,

and Ms Maka BOTCHORISHVILI, Georgia

Akartvelos P’arlament’I.

The importance of giving priority to the EU’s common migration policy was mentioned

by some delegates, including Ms Ria-OOMEN-RUIJTEN, Dutch

Eerste Kamer,

and Mr

Alessandro GIGLIO VIGNA, Italian

Camera dei Deputati.

Mr Dimitris KAIRIDIS,

Greek

Vouli ton Ellinon,

made a reference to what he labelled a persisting geostrategic

naiveté

of Europe, giving the example of authoritarian regimes using migrants to put

pressure on the EU.

Some speeches specifically looked forward to the coming COSAC plenary debate in

May on the Single Market, including Mr Christian BUCHMANN, Austrian

Bundesrat.

On this topic Mr Pieyre-Alexander ANGLADE, French

Assemblée Nationale,

pointed to

the need to defend and protect Europe’s industrial sovereignty. Mr Jean-Francois

RAPIN, French

Sénat,

highlighted the need for increased focus on electronic and

computerised trade where he argued the present rules needed to be reviewed.

Several speakers raised the issues of sustainable transition and energy security as key

areas for Europe, in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine, including Ms Satu HASSI,

Finnish

Eduskunta,

who stated that the green transition was not just about industrial

policy but also about security policy. Mr Bojan KEKEC, Slovenian

Državni svet,

argued

for the creation of a regulatory body that could intervene in cases of emergency with

abnormal energy prices.

Several national Parliaments’ representatives, including Mr Anti POOLAMETS,

Estonian

Riigikogu,

Mr Luís CAPOULAS SANTOS, Portuguese

Assembleia da

República,

and Mr Vytautas GAPŠYS, Lithuanian

Seimas,

highlighted their support for

Finland and Sweden’s applications for NATO membership. Mr Andris SPRŪDS,

EUU, Alm.del - 2022-23 (2. samling) - Bilag 224: Referat fra COSAC-formandsmøde 29-30/1-23 i Stockholm

Latvian

Saeima,

called for EU-NATO cooperation to be strengthened and made more

efficient. With reference to the present blocking of Finland and Sweden’s process of

joining NATO Mr Rubén MORENO, Spanish

Cortes Generales,

highlighted different

forms of indirect pressure towards the EU and argued that the EU should defend its

security, safety, and leadership in the world. Mr Peter KMEC, Slovak

Národná rada,

argued that new tools were needed for the EU to face new internal and external threats,

and the concept of the EU’s strategic autonomy should therefore be developed further.

Mr DANIELSSON concluded the session by thanking the Chairpersons for a rich and

interesting discussion, and for all the support that had been expressed in the debate for

the Swedish Presidency priorities. The first and foremost priority would be continued

support to Ukraine and maintaining unity. He especially referred to contributions in the

debate that had called for increased efforts to bring to justice those responsible for war

crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Mr DANIELSSON confirmed that the

Swedish Presidency would be a very strong supporter of setting up the necessary

structures to that end, in cooperation with other organisations, and with Ukraine. In

addition, he said that the Presidency would make efforts to advance work in the Council

regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Mr

DANIELSSON also confirmed that the Presidency would be committed to advancing

work on the Pact on Asylum and Migration, acknowledging that many immediate

challenges regarding migration also needed to be addressed. He also confirmed the

decisiveness of the Swedish Presidency to advance to the extent possible the process of

Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area. In conclusion, he reminded everyone

present that the role of the Presidency was to drive the EU’s legislative agenda forward,

and noted that the Swedish Presidency had 305 open dossiers on the table, which would

need considerable effort.

5. C

LOSING REMARKS BY

ANS

WALLMARK, C

HAIRMAN

OMMITTEE ON

EU A

FFAIRS OF THE

WEDISH

IKSDAG

OF THE

Mr WALLMARK proceeded to the end of the meeting, thanking all participants for the

very interesting and constructive debates. He also mentioned three specific wishes for

the coming months leading to the COSAC Plenary meeting in May: the first being that

Europe would become as strong and successful as it deserved to be, and that was the

reason to celebrate the single market - only through stable economies could the EU

thrive; the second wish was that Sweden and Finland should become members of

NATO, and in that connection he thanked all the Member States that had already ratified

this accession; thirdly, and referring to the book of Ukrainian poetry “Under

Ukrainas

öppna himmel - Röster ur ett krig”

(Under the open sky of Ukraine: voices from a war),

recently translated to Swedish, Mr WALLMARK wished that a free Ukrainian sky could

be possible again soon.

Mr WALLMARK then closed the meeting.